Urban Fantasy Meets Romance: ‘Bound by Secrets’ by Author A.D. Dumas Brings Sarcasm, Secrets, and Hidden Agendas

Secrets, Suspense, and Unexpected Romance

In a world where secrets can be more powerful—and dangerous—than truth, A.D. Dumas makes a compelling debut with Bound by Secrets, arriving on June 20, 2025. Combining mystery, romance, and urban fantasy, this novel introduces readers to a captivating heroine navigating a complex web of hidden agendas and emotional revelations.

Aurelia: Sarcastic Heroine on a Mission

Aurelia isn’t your typical protagonist—she’s sarcastic, headstrong, and fiercely independent. Her life is shaped not by love, but by necessity and strategic alliances. When she marries the richest man in the city, it’s purely for protection and the opportunity to investigate her sister’s unexplained disappearance.

However, what starts as a practical arrangement quickly evolves into something more complicated. Aurelia discovers her husband harbors secrets as dangerous as her own, challenging the boundaries of their transactional marriage. His reserved and brooding nature contrasts sharply with her quick wit, creating dynamic interactions filled with tension and humor.

Unraveling Dangerous Family Secrets

Driven by her need to understand her sister’s fate, Aurelia delves deeper into a hidden world full of threats and revelations. Every secret uncovered reveals troubling truths about her family—truths capable of reshaping her identity and understanding of the world.

Her quest escalates dramatically, becoming a perilous fight not only to discover what happened to her sister but also to survive herself. As danger intensifies, Aurelia realizes the truths she seeks may cost her more than she ever imagined—her heart and her life hang in the balance.

Richly Crafted Romance and Intrigue

With a narrative skillfully built around engaging tropes, Bound by Secrets delivers romance and suspense in equal measure. Readers drawn to the marriage-of-convenience trope will relish the intricate power play between Aurelia and her enigmatic husband. Their interactions—filled with witty exchanges and simmering tension—offer delightful moments throughout the story.

Dumas expertly integrates the hidden-world element, infusing the plot with a constant sense of mystery and anticipation. This urban fantasy layer enriches the storytelling, keeping readers eagerly turning pages to uncover the next twist.

The novel’s emotional depth and complex characters ensure readers remain invested in the outcome. As the opening book in the ‘Eternally Bound’ trilogy, this narrative provides a solid foundation filled with promise for future installments.

Meet the Author: An Enthusiastic New Voice

A.D. Dumas, only 21 and freshly graduated, enters the literary world with impressive confidence and creativity. Her love of storytelling shines through in the nuanced portrayal of Aurelia’s journey, making her narrative both vibrant and emotionally compelling. Readers intrigued by her literary journey can follow her updates on Instagram at @addumas.

Prepare for the Release

Set for release on June 20, 2025, Bound by Secrets is available now for pre-order through Amazon, Goodreads, and Barnes & Noble. This eagerly awaited debut promises an immersive reading experience filled with emotional intensity, sharp humor, and captivating suspense.

Get ready to explore a world where secrets are the ultimate currency, truths carry deadly consequences, and love emerges unexpectedly amidst chaos. Join Aurelia as she confronts challenges that will test her strength, redefine her relationships, and push her to uncover the most dangerous secrets of all.

 

We had the privilege of interviewing A.D. Dumas, author of Bound by Secrets. Here are excerpts from the interview.

Hi, It’s great to have you with us today! Please share about yourself with our readers.

Hello, I’m a 21-year-old debut author who has only just finished university and is taking the next steps in my life. While I’ve always been an avid reader, writing has been my dream, and I’m excited to take steps toward it.

Please tell us about your book, Bound by Secrets.

Bound by Secrets is a story that is very precious to me. The main character, Aurelia, is so snarky and doesn’t care about much, but for the things she does care about, she will protect them at all costs. This story is a whirlwind of events and feelings. You get to see Aurelia discover who she is and go along with her on her journey to save her sister, who disappeared. While she has secrets that she’s keeping from her husband, he also has secrets of his own. In the end, those secrets spill out and change both of their worlds. And in that, somehow, they still find each other.

Please share your journey with our readers.

Bound by Secrets started as a monologue in my head when I had less than two weeks to finish my thesis (which was less than halfway done). I challenged myself to make a story out of it before university started back up in one month. I failed that challenge. And it morphed while I was at it, adding in urban fantasy and a whole bunch of plot that I hadn’t planned for initially. Through this, I was also finishing my final semester at school until finally, I finished the manuscript. I found the best editor and cover designer, and the rest is history.

What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?

I think the biggest strategy was writing when I had something to say, but also writing when it felt like the words were trapped. When further polished, the latter became some of my favorite scenes.

Any message for our readers?

I hope you enjoy Bound by Secrets and will review it once you’re done. If you’re out there and questioning whether you should write, just do it. Even if it seems daunting, you will achieve it in the end.

Thank you so much for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!